Irish step dancing is a unique cultural art form that may have begun as early as the 1600s! Though the earliest forms of the dance might be unrecognizable today, almost everyone is familiar with the internationally famous Lord of the Dance show featuring routines built upon classic Irish step dancing. It capitalizes on the showier jumps, and performs the steps at lightning speed to dramatic effect. But the basic steps and jumps are the same as what is taught at the Shovlin Ac

From exfoliating scrubs to restorative massages, treat yourself to a spring spa treatment designed to renew skin, relax muscles, and welcome the warmer months. Cold days and heavy layers can leave both body and mind feeling dull. Spring is nature’s reminder that renewal is possible. With brightening facials, restorative massages, and revitalizing body treatments, spas offer an ideal way to refresh after months of winter hibernation. Here’s a list of local spas and salons wher

LevelUp Pickleball Club’s Baseline Bar & Grille turns pickleball into an all-day hang, with fresh food, drinks, and a cool social vibe. Baseline Bar & Grille feels like the kind of place you instantly belong. Located in Canonsburg, the neighborhood restaurant can be found inside the LevelUp Pickleball Club on Mayview Road, giving it an unmistakably sporty, community-driven feel. At the heart of it all is Greg Braeudigam, chef and manager, whose passion for food, people, and c

Movies, markets, music and more... Moon Parks & Rec has fun events for all. There may still be snow on the ground, but spring is on the way! Fun community events have been scheduled for Moon Township residents this year. You can cut out this handy list of events and post it where your entire family can see, because there’s something for everyone. Moon Market & Music has become a much-anticipated event series, providing an opportunity to browse local products and produce, an

From exfoliating scrubs to restorative massages, treat yourself to a spring spa treatment designed to renew skin, relax muscles, and welcome the warmer months. Cold days and heavy layers can leave both body and mind feeling dull. Spring is nature’s reminder that renewal is possible. With brightening facials, restorative massages, and revitalizing body treatments, spas offer an ideal way to refresh after months of winter hibernation. Here’s a list of local spas and salons wher

Here are some interesting February-related stories tied to Pittsburgh neighborhoods and suburbs. February 1916 – Birth of modern radio Pittsburgh is often called the birthplace of commercial radio. In February 1916, local inventor Frank Conrad made one of the first regular radio music broadcasts from his garage in Wilkinsburg, just outside the city. This work directly led to KDKA, the world’s first commercial radio station. February 9, 1967 – The Penguins are born The NHL off

Every other Friday, Mike Matteo and Dr. Montaire Taylor meet with their student leadership team and carefully listen. One by one, each of the nine 4th graders share their ideas and input with Evergreen Elementary’s principal and counselor, ideas which are carefully considered and implemented. Meetings like these are commonplace across the district’s schools. Gateway High School and Middle School both have their leadership teams, but so too do all four of the district’s elemen

From exfoliating scrubs to restorative massages, treat yourself to a spring spa treatment designed to renew skin, relax muscles, and welcome the warmer months. Cold days and heavy layers can leave both body and mind feeling dull. Spring is nature’s reminder that renewal is possible. With brightening facials, restorative massages, and revitalizing body treatments, spas offer an ideal way to refresh after months of winter hibernation. Here’s a list of local spas and salons wher

Dogs can make a house a home, with their constant love and devotion to their families. But now and then, some of them need our help to live a stable, happy life. Nothing is quite like a dog, who’s always happy to see you when you arrive home from a tough day at work. A pet’s unfailing love and support makes the world feel like a nicer place. Unfortunately, that love is not always returned. Many beautiful animals end up in a shelter through no fault of their own—alone, afraid

Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie hosted its food festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, and no one left hungry! The food that was prepared from time-honored family recipes included pyrohy (pierogies), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), halushky (noodles), kielbasa and sauerkraut, and some wonderful Ukrainian desserts and beer. Guests also enjoyed live music provided by local artist Michael Spak and Pittsburgh polka legend Mikey Dee. Tours of the beautiful, tradition

Where the season sparkles—your ultimate guide to holiday happenings. Welcoming the Season Carols & Lights – Carnegie Celebrates the Season When: December 5 Where: Main Street, Carnegie For more info: carnegieborough.com Enjoy the annual tree lighting and so much more! Celebration of Lights When: December 6 Where: 117 West Steuben Street, Crafton For more info: craftonborough.gov/events Welcome the holiday season with crafts, music, Santa, and lights at Crafton’s annual celebr

Bethel Park held its annual Community Day on Sept. 20, with the traditional parade kicking off the event at 9 a.m. followed by festivities at Bethel Park High School. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., families and friends enjoyed more than 60 booths of games, refreshments and local vendors, along with music from a deejay, inflatable obstacle courses, airbrush tattoos, and more. PHOTOS BY RALPH LOVUOLO

Where the season sparkles—your ultimate guide to holiday happenings. Welcoming the Season Bethel Park Tree Lighting & Holiday Market When: December 6 Where: Recreation Community Center, 5151 Park Avenue, Bethel Park For more info: bethelparkpa.gov This annual tree lighting celebration will feature a visit from Santa, a whimsical gingerbread neighborhood, holiday activities, and a seasonal indoor market. Deck the Barns When: December 19–21 Where: Washington County Fairgrounds,

Where the season sparkles—your ultimate guide to holiday happenings. Welcoming the Season Butler’s Spirit of Christmas Parade When: November 29 Where: Main Street, Downtown Butler For more info: butlerradio.com/spirit-of-christmas-parade Enjoy a variety of fun activities to kick off the holiday season! This year’s theme is “Christmas Through the Decades.” Enjoy floats, marching bands, dance groups, and much more. Fun Fore All Holiday Lights Mini Golf When: November 21 through

This year’s Community Day took place on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Ross Township Community Center. From 3 to 8 p.m., families and neighbors gathered to enjoy a full afternoon and evening of activities including food, live music, touch-a-truck, balloon art, local vendors and entertainment. PHOTOS BY RALPH LOVUOLO

Families gathered behind the Fox Chapel Borough building on Saturday, Sept. 27, for the police department’s annual Touch-a-Truck day. The increasingly popular event was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning with a sensory-friendly hour. Children enjoyed exploring, climbing and honking horns in a variety of vehicles. Highlights also included the K9 for a Day and his official “swearing in,” plus a fire department demonstration. Attendees were encouraged to contribute monetary

This year’s Mars Applefest took place Oct. 4 in downtown Mars, with residents and friends enjoying a full day of food, crafts, music, and other fun activities for families. The free event featured more than 150 vendors offering everything from local foods to handmade art. PHOTOS BY RALPH LOVUOLO

In recent years, several talented young players from Allegheny County, known as mibsters, have found national success at the annual National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, New Jersey (left photo). Some of these champions even come from right here in Shaler Township. Since the tournament began in 1922, Allegheny County has produced more than 30 national champions, with many of those victories occurring in just the past two decades. The term “mibster” refers to young marble pl

Where the season sparkles—your ultimate guide to holiday happenings. Welcoming the Season Butler’s Spirit of Christmas Parade When: November 29 Where: Main Street, Downtown Butler For more info: butlerradio.com/spirit-of-christmas-parade Enjoy a variety of fun activities to kick off the holiday season! This year’s theme is “Christmas Through the Decades.” Enjoy floats, marching bands, dance groups, and much more. Fun Fore All Holiday Lights Mini Golf When: November 21 through

A place to find unique gifts for Christmas or any occasion since 1943. The Trading post is a wonderful place to find unique items for Christmas gifts and other occasions that cannot be found in stores. Some of the treasures are vintage, and will no doubt bring a smile to the faces of recipients as they remember Christmases past with a gift from long ago. The Trading Post began during World War II, when many items were rationed for the public. This caused a shortage of childre